Multicontact relay



9 J. N. REYNOLDS 2,233,076

HULTICONTACT RELAY Filed Aug. 5, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l Ila ATTORNEYS April 1941- J. N. REYNLDS 2,238,076

uuurxcou'mc'r RELAY a Sheefs-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1939 iqd.

ATTORNEYS April 1941- I J. N. REYNOLDS 2,238,076

IULTICGNTACT RELAY Filed Aug. 5, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 \NVENTOR John N. Reynolds v BY ATTORN EYS Patented Apr. 15, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,238,076 MULTICONTACT RELAY John N. Reynolds, Princeton, N. J. Application August 5, 1939, Serial No. 288,516

22 Claims.

This invention relates to relay devices which are adapted for making and breaking electrical circuits, and more especially circuits used in connection with telephone work. The subject matter of the present invention is in the nature of an improvement on the invention disclosed in my earlier filed application Serial No. 280,777, filed June 23, 1939. In said application a relay is disclosed in which a plurality of movable contact springs are actuated by a rotatable actuating plate which in turn is actuated by the armature of a two pole magnet. The movable contact springs cooperate with fixed contact springs which are supported in stationary positions to make or break circuits or to transfer circuits.

It is a main object of the present invention to provide a relay of the type described in which neither set of contact springs is stationary but both sets are movable toward and away from each other, so that each set has to move over only approximately one half of the total distance in order to efiect the desired closure or opening of the circuits. In further pursuance of this object, each set of contact springs is actuated by a separate, rotatable actuating member or plate, these actuating plates being so arranged that they are rotated in opposite directions by an electromagnetic device having a single energizing coil.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel means for rotating the contact spring actuating plates in opposite directions. In the preferred construction this means comprises a novel form of electromagnet provided with oppositely disposed movable armatures, one of which is mechanically connected to one of the actuating plates and the other to the other plate. In further pursuance of this object each armature is molded in the plate which it actuates, the plates being preferably molded of a moldable insulation material such as tenite, Bakelite, etc.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and inexpensive means for pivotally mounting the armatures so arranged that they are both supported on an edge of the magnet pole which is coaxial with the axes of rotation of the contact spring actuating plates.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel arrangement for mounting a large number of contact springs in which the total number of springs is divided into several groups, and all the springs of each group are molded in a sector shaped annular block of moldable insulation material, these blocks being in turn secured to a common supporting base so that any one or more of the blocks, together with its attached contact springs, may be readily removed for repair or renewal.

Further objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description of the invention proceeds. For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which,

Fig. 1 is a front and partially sectional view of a relay embodying the invention, showing also a portion of a relay supporting member;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the relay and its supporting member shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view showing the end portions of a modified form of contact springs;

Fig. 4 is a front view of a relay showing a modified form of the invention, also showing a portion of a support for the relay;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the Zelay and its supporting member shown in Fig.

; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end view in section, taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 showing certain portions of the relay and showing two of the component contact spring supports separated from the main supporting base of the relay.

The relays shown may be used to make, break or transfer one or more telephone or other electrical circuits and, referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, the relay therein shown comprises a main base I which is of generally cylindrical shape and has molded therein near its periphery a circular series of thin, metallic contact springs 2 and at a larger radius a second series of contact springs 3, the springs 2 being interposed midway between the springs 3 and being curved outwardly at their upper ends, as shown in Fig. 2, so that their contacts 4 lie opposite the contacts 5 secured to the springs 3, the springs 3 being substantially straight, as shown. To insure two different areas of contact and thus insure more certainty of contact in event one of the contact areas became covered with a slight insulating film, the end of each spring 2a may be slitted as at 6, Fig. 3, to provide the fingers 1, each of which carries a contact 8, so that both of the contacts 8 are adapted to engage the contact 5 carried by the spring 3.

Also molded in the base I is an electromagnet comprising the U-shaped iron cores 9 and 10 with their inner legs ll, Ila, disposed in contact with each other and their outer legs l2 and I3 disposed in alignment with the inner legs, as shown.

The energizing coil I4 is disposed about the inner legs II, Ila with one end seated against the base 'I, the ends of the coil being connected by the leads I5, I5a to the coil terminals I6, I6a which are also preferably molded in the base I. The end of the legs II, Ila is turned down to provide spaced shoulders I1 on which rests a bearing support I8 for the inner contact spring actuating plate I9. The annular bearing support I8 has outwardly projecting flanges 28 and 2| at its opposite. ends and is provided with an undercut groove 22 adjacent the flange 28. In order to permit the mounting of the plate I9 on the bearing support I8, plate I9 is provided with the large open portions 23, 24, which serve to reduce-its mass by a substantial amount and to permit the passage therethrough of the magnet legs I2 and I3. After the plate I9 has been placed in position, it is retained in its proper position on hearing support I8 by means of a thin annular washer 25 which is cut through as indicated at 26 to permit it to be spread apart and passed over the flange 2'0 and to then be released and become seated in the groove 22. The periphery of the plate I9 is provided with a series of narrow slits 21 in which the contact springs 2 are disposed so that upon rotation of the plate I9, the outer ends of the springs 2 will be moved simultaneously over equal distances.

Secured in a central position in the outer end of the magnet leg II, He is a pin 28 which provides a pivotal support for the contact spring actuating plate 29, this plate being retained in its proper operating position by a hub 38 and a pin 38 which passes through a small bore 32 in the outer end of the pin 28. The plate 29 is provided with a pair of large openings 33, 33 disposed on the opposite sides of a central, diametrically disposed connecting rib 35, through which the pin 29 passes. The provision of the large openings 33, 34 in plate 29 serves to reduce its mass and inertia and permit its more rapid response to the passage of an energizing current through the coil I4. The peripheral edge of plate 29 is provided with a series of equally spaced, narrow slits 36 in which the ends of the contact springs 3 are disposed, so that upon rotation of'plate 29, the contacts 5 carried by the springs 3 are moved over equal distances.

At its opposite faces the magnet leg 82 is pro vided with pairs of spaced pins 37, which serve to support the armatures 38 and 39 which extend outwardly a slight distance past the magnet leg I3 and are provided with small buttons 40 of nonmagnetic material which engage the leg I3 and prevent the armatures from adhering thereto. For the purpose of adjustably connecting each armature to its contact spring actuating ring, it is provided with an angularly disposed connecting pin H which is threaded to engage the spaced nuts 42, 43. Preferably molded in the plate 29 and extending inwardly between the nuts 42, 43 carried by the armature 38, is a pin 44, a similar pin 45 being molded in the plate I9 and extending outwardly between the nuts 42, 43 carried by the armature 39, I

Opposite the magnet leg II, Ila. each of the armatures 38, 39 is provided with abore 46 through which loosely passes a threaded screw 41 whose inner end is screwed into a threaded bore 48 provided in the leg II, IIa. A nut 49, which is slitted through, as at 50, fits the screw 41 snugly and is adapted to be engaged by the outer face of the armature for the p rpose of regulating the thickness 01 the air gaps 5| between the armatures 38, 39 and the magnet pole 83. These air \through a. bore 56 in the finger 54 from working off the gaps may be equalized by proper adjustment of the back stop nuts 49, so that the armatures will actuate the contact spring actuating plates to which they are connected through equal amounts. For the purpose of conveniently mounting a pinrality of the relays in assembled relation so that they occupy only a limited amount of space, a supporting panel 52 is provided. with a plurality of generally circular, spaced apertures 53 through which the inner ends of the contact springs 2, 3 extend and are available for connection to telephone or any other desired circuits. Extending upwardly within each of the apertures 53 and formed integral with the panel 52 is a supporting finger 54 to the innersurface of which the relay base I is clamped bya screw 55 passing loosely and engaging a threaded opening 51 in the center 01' base I. By spacing the apertures 53 apart by a distance only slightly greater than the outside diameter of the base I, a number of similar relays may be accommodated on a supporting panel 52 of limited length.

To operate the relay, an energizing current is passed through the coil I4 which causes the outer end of the magnet leg II, IIa. to assume a definite polarity, for example, to become a north pole, the ends of the legs I2, I3 simultaneously becoming south poles. .This condition causes magnetic flux to pass through the armatures 38, 39 and their free ends to be attracted to the pole 63. Since the free end of armature 38 moves to the right, the contact spring actuating plate 29 which is connected thereto is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, while motion of the free end of armature 39 to the left, causes the contact spring actuating plate I9 to be rotated in a clockwise direction. It is thus apparent that the outer ends of the contact springs 3 are simultaneously rotated through a small angle in a counter-clockwise direction while the outer ends of the contact springs 2 are simultaneously rotated in a clockwise direction. Upon stoppage of the, current through coil- I4, the magnet cores 9 and Ill become deenergized and the resiliency of the contact springs 2 and 3 causes the actuating plates I9 and 29 to return to their initial positions. The upper ends of the armatures 38 and 39 are prevented pins 31 by the back stop nuts 49 and the connections between the lower ends of the armatures and the actuating plates I 9 and 29. With thle structure described, it is readily possible to provide a. relay having a diameter of substantially three inches with 60 complete sets of contact springs, thus insuring a very compact and inexpensive means for simultaneously making, breaking or transferring 60 electrical circuits.

In the modification shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the arrangement of parts is generally similar to that above described in connection with Figs. 1 to 3 and similar parts are indicated by similar reference characters primed. In this modification, the main supporting base B comprises a central member 58 which is preferably formed of moldable insulation material in which the iron core 9' is molded. lI'he outer face 59 of member 58 is recessed to provide a supporting shoulder 68 adapted for engagement with the inwardly projecting flanges 6| formed on the generally sector-shaped contact spring supports 62. Each of the supports 62 is preferably formed of molded insulation material such as Bakelite, tenite" or similar material and in which the inner ends 01 the contact springs 2' and 3' are molded and arranged as shown. To permit ready removal for the purposes of repair or replacement, each of the contact spring supports 82 is provided with a threaded bore 83 adapted to be engaged by the end of a screw 64 which passes freely through one of a plurality of holes 65 formed through the base 58. The energizing coil i4 is disposed on the magnet leg I! which is disposed parallel to leg II, the outer ends of the legs ll', I2 forming the two poles of the magnet.

As in the modification shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the contact springs 2' are seated in narrow slits 21' formed in the periphery of an inner contact spring actuating plate 19' while the ends of contact springs 3 are seated in the slits 38', formed in the periphery of the contact spring actuating plate 29. The outer end of magnet leg I! is cut away as shown to provide the oppositely disposed notches 88 and form inner and outer shoulders 51, 68 between which the end portions of the magnet armatures 59 and are disposed. Armature 59 has its end cut away to provide a centrally disposed notch H between the spaced apart fingers 12, 13, the latter fingers being bent over, as shown in Fig. 4, to provide a face 14 for pivotal engagement with a sharp pivotal supporting edge 15 formed on the magnet leg II. The end of armature 10 is cut away to provide a narrow tongue I6 which is disposed between the fingers 12, 13 and has a face in pivotal engagement with supporting edge 15. A spring I1 is provided with a bore 18 adapted to pass over one of the screws 41 which are threaded into the leg Ha, the spring being clamped in position between the adjusting nuts 49' each of which snugly engages the screw 41 and is slit through at 50'. The spring 11 widens out as it approaches the inner ends of the armatures 68, 10 (see Fig. 5) and is bent over, as shown in Fig. 4, to provide a wide end portion 19 which engages the fingers 12, 13 and the tongue 18 for yieldingly urging the armatures 69, 10 into pivotal engagement with the pivotal edge 15.

In order to support the actuating plate 29, it is provided with an integral inwardly projecting lug 80 in which the armature I0 is molded whereby the latter supports the actuating plate. Similarly, the actuating plate 18' is provided with an integral, outwardly projecting lug Si in which the armature 69 is molded, whereby the latter supports the plate l9. It is thus apparent that no additional pivotal bearing supports for the contact spring actuating plates l9 and 29' are required. In this modification the supporting finger 54 and the main panel 52 from which it extends are formed of metal and the securing screw engages a threaded bore 82 formed in the magnet core 9, which is preferably disposed in contact with the finger 54'. This arrangement causes a large portion of any heat which may be generated in the coil winding H to be transferred to the iron core 9' and, by conduction, to the finger 55' and main panel 52' on which a plurality of the relays may be mounted in the manner described.

The relay operates in a manner similar to that described in connection with the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Passage of current through the coil H causes the outer end of armature 10 to move to the right and cause the actuating plate 29' and its connected contact springs 3' to rotate counter-clockwise. Simultaneously, the outer end of armature 69 is drawn to the left, causing actuating plate I! and its contact springs to rotate clockwise and effect the closing, opening or transfer of the circuits. Adjustment of the air gaps between the armatures and pole piece II is readily secured by adjusting the nuts 49.

I have described what I believe to be the best embodiments of my invention. I do not wish, however, to be confined to the embodiments shown, but what I desire to cover by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An electrical relay comprising, in combination, an springs arranged along a circular arc, a second set or movable contact springs arranged along a circular arc surrounding and of greater radius than the first named are, means actuated by the electromagnet for moving the first named set of contact springs simultaneously in one direction and means actuated by the electromagnet for moving the second set of contact springs simultaneously in the opposite direction.

2. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 1 in which the first and second sets of movable contact springs are concentrically arranged.

3. An electrical relay comprising in combination, a supporting base, an electromagnet mounted on said base, a rotatable actuating member supported on the electromagnet, a second rotatable actuating member supported on the electromagnet, a. set of contact springs mounted on said base and having their ends in engagement with the first named actuating member, a second set of contact springs mounted on said base and having their ends in engagement with the second named actuating member, and means energized by the electromagnet for simultaneously rotating the first and second named actuating members in opposite directions.

4. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the rotatable actuating members are coaxially mounted.

5. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which each of the actuating members is provided with a plurality of peripherally arranged narrow slits in which its contact springs are seated.

6. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the means energized by the electromagnet comprises -a pair of armatures supported on the electromagnet.

'7. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the means energized by the electromagnet comprises a pair of armatures and means for supporting the armatures on opposite sides of the electromagnet.

8. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the means energized by the electromagnet comprises a pair of armatures supported on the electromagnet and independent adjustable means for adjusting the air gap between each armature and the electromagnet.

9. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the supporting base is formed of moldable insulation material and both sets of contact springs are molded in the insulation material.

10. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 5 in which the supporting base comprises a centrally disposed member to which the electromagnet is secured and a plurality of radially extending sector shaped members secured to the central member, a plurality of contact springs of each of said sets of springs being secured to each of the sector shaped members.

11. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 3 in which the supporting base comprises a plurality of sector shaped members formed of moldelectromagnet, a set of movable contact able insulation material, a plurality of contact springs of each of said sets of springs being molded in each of the sector shaped members.

12. An electrical relay comprising in combination, a supporting base, an electromagnet supported on said base, a set or movable contact springs mounted on said base, a second set of movable contact springs mounted on said base, a contact spring actuating plate connected to the springs of the first set, a second contact spring actuating plate connected to the springs of the second set, at least two armatures adapted to be rotated in opposite directions and means whereby said armatures support the first and second named actuating plates respectively.

13. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 12 in which the electromagnet is provided with a pivotal supporting edge and each armature is provided with a face in engagement with the pivotal supporting edge.

14. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 12 in which the electromagnet is provided with a pivotal supporting edge in alignment with the centers of the spring actuating plates and each armature has a face in engagement with the pivotal supporting edge.

15. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 12 in which the contact spring actuating plates are formed of moldable insulation material and the armatures are molded in the insulation material.

16. An electrical relay-as set forth in claim 12 in which the contact spring actuating plates are provided with integral projecting lugs formed of moldable insulation material and the armatures are molded in said lugs.

17. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 12 in which the electromagnet is provided with a pivotal supporting edge and a recess adjacent said edge and each armature has an end portion disposed in said recess and provided with a iace in engagement with the pivotal supporting edge.

18. A relay device comprising an electromag= net, a plurality of movable contact springs, a

plate mounted for rotation and formed of moldable insulation material, means connecting the plate and the contact springs and an armature molded in said plate and disposed adjacent the electromagnet.

19. An electrical relay comprising, in combination, a first set of movable contact springs, a

second set of movable contact springs, a rotatable actuating plate connected to the contact springs of the first set, a second rotatable actuating plate connected to the contact springs of the second set and means for simultaneously rotating said actuating plates in opposite directlons, said means comprising a pair oi. armatures disposed between the actuating plates.

20. An electrical relay comprising in combination, a supporting base, a first set of spaced contact springs disposed on said supporting base in the form of a cage, a. second set of spaced contact springs disposed on said supporting base in the i'orm of a second cage surrounding the first cage, and means for simultaneously actuating the contact springs of the respective sets in opposite directions.

21. An electrical relay as set forth in claim 20 in which the supporting base is formed of moldable insulation material and the contact springs of both sets are molded in the insulation material with their lower ends projecting therefrom.

22. An electrical relay comprising, in combina-t tion, a supporting base, a first set of spaced contact springs disposed on said base, a second set of spaced contact springs disposed on said base, an electromagnet disposed on said base, a pivotal supporting edge and a pair of armatures connected to said sets of contact springs and arranged to actuate them in opposite directions, one of said armatures being provided with a pair of spaced apart fingers in contact with thepivotal supporting edge and the other armature being provided an extended tongue arranged to contact the pivotal supporting edge between said spaced fingers.

JOHN N. REYNOLDS. 

